Black coffee refers to the end result after brewing a pot of grounds. It can come from a percolator, drip machine, pour-over or French press. There’s no cream, sugar or any other additives included within the cup. Also, the brewing process didn’t use steam or some other form of water extraction; just the grounds and hot water.
Sometimes this has a strong, bold or pungent aroma and flavor. Other times it could taste slightly watered down. For some coffee lovers, this may sound absolutely uninteresting. But, there are a few benefits to drinking a cup of black Joe once and awhile.
Why Do Some People Love Black Coffee?
There are several reasons behind why some people love drinking their coffee black. First and foremost, there are those who prefer a real coffee tasting experience. They don’t like the frills and fanciness of froth, foam, milk or cream. They don’t like sugar, chocolate or any other kind of sweetener.
Other people believe that it gives them more of a caffeinated punch when they wake up in the morning. Depending on the person, they may be the type that’s impossible to get going at sunrise. The black cup of coffee is the best way to get them wide-eyed.
And yet others have sugar- or dairy-related illnesses. In these cases they absolutely cannot have anything added into their cup of Joe. What’s more, there are those who simply find things like cream and sugar too expensive and do without it.
Is Espresso Considered Black Coffee?
As a general rule, espresso is not black coffee but espresso is a type of black brew. This is because espresso has a special brewing process that involves some form of steaming. Also, it requires a particular espresso bean, not a general coffee bean. All these disqualify espresso as black coffee.
Is Americano the Same as Black Coffee?
No, Americano is not the same as black coffee. This is because Americano is essentially a shot of black espresso with more hot water added to it.
Is Black Coffee Stronger than Espresso?
No, black coffee is not stronger than espresso. While both can have a bold and strong flavor, espresso has a much more concentrated level of caffeine. In one ounce of espresso, there’s 63 milligrams of caffeine whereas something like drip coffee will have 12 to 16 milligrams for the same amount.
What Brewing Methods Produce Black Coffee?
You can use one of four brewing methods to produce a cup of black coffee. These are via percolation, drip machine, French press or pour-over. Any other method of brewing will produce a black-style of coffee, but it will not be traditional black coffee.
- Percolation: These produce coffee usually through a metal filter and plug in via an outlet or heat up on the stove. It pushes the coffee from the carafe and into the grounds.
- Drip: The tried, trusted and true way to produce a cup of black coffee. You just fill the device with water, put a filter in the basket, measure out the grounds and flip it on.
- French Press: Another uncomplicated method to brew a cup of black coffee is through a French press. You just put the grounds on the bottom, pour the water in and press the plunger down.
- Pour-Over: The pour-over method is one of the simplest ways to get a cup of black coffee. You simply pour hot water over the grounds in a vessel that holds a filter.
Are There Health Benefits to Black Coffee?
There are several health benefits in drinking a few cups of black coffee per day. First off, it can burn fat away, which means it can accompany weight loss efforts. But it also has low calories, almost zero carbs and ideal for any dietary need or food allergy. It provides an energy boost and can help clear out your liver and digestive tract.
What’s more, recent scientific research suggests black coffee can combat certain cancers, Type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, among many others. So, you could actually say that a cup of black coffee a day will keep the doctor away.
Does Black Coffee Increase Mental Capacities?
Yes, black coffee goes a long way in its ability to increase your mental capacities. Not that you’ll become Superman, but you may feel like it after a few sips of black coffee.
In all seriousness, though, it can help clear up brain fog, confusion, dizziness and makes your brain more alert. Because black coffee tickles the nerves to awaken the body, it improves memory and keeps the brain active.
Is There a Downside to Consuming a Cup of Black Coffee?
Aside from caffeine being addictive and the taste being quite strong, there are a few other downsides to consuming black coffee. If you are sensitive to caffeine and consume too much, you may experience insomnia, jitteriness, anxiety or some other kind of nervous disorder.
Also, if you have a problem with high cholesterol, avoid oily types of beans. These will contribute to negative cholesterol rates within the body. Plus, if you have a predisposition to heart problems, avoid drinking coffee as it can increase things like heart palpitations.
Is Black Coffee Healthier Than Adding Cream & Sugar?
Yes, black coffee is infinitely healthier than a cup with cream and sugar added to it. What make most coffees unhealthy are the manufactured sweeteners, creamers and other processed products to make it taste a certain way. These have artificial chemicals, mystery flavoring and heaven only knows what else.
Such products add fat, calories, cholesterol and risks to heart health. Plus, it can contribute to sugar-related illnesses and create such problems where none existed before.
How Much Black Coffee Should You Drink Per Day?
Most doctors say that you should drink no more than six cups per day. Beyond this can have serious implications on your heart and sleeping cycles. But, the most ideal is around four cups, or 400 milligrams, per day.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.